Public Relations Specialist, Grade 24

Public Relations Specialist, Grade 24

Salary

$82,352.00 - $131,852.00 Annually

Location

1 Veterans Pl Silver Spring MD 20910 USA

Job Type

Permanent

Job Number

2026-00434

Department

Community Engagement Cluster

Division

CEC 16 Wheaton Urban District

Opening Date

07/28/2026

Closing Date

8/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

About the Position

Please note: The salary range above represents this position's earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $82,352 to $107,102, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE

The Urban Districts serve as vital stewards of Montgomery County's key business districts, including Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Friendship Heights, delivering essential services that support thriving, inclusive, and economically vibrant communities. Core services provided by the Urban Districts include ambassadorship and public engagement, security coordination, multistakeholder collaboration, streetscape and public realm maintenance, tree and walkway care, marketing and promotions, and a wide range of community events throughout the year.

Operating within the Community Engagement Cluster, the Urban Districts align closely with the mission of the Regional Services Centers, which are dedicated to making Montgomery County inclusive, accessible, and responsive to all residents. These centers act as a bridge between County leadership and the community, ensuring that public concerns are heard, understood, and translated into meaningful action.

Urban District teams operate under the direction of the Regional Services Center Directors and play a critical role in ensuring that each district remains clean, safe, welcoming, and visually appealing, creating the conditions necessary for social connection, cultural vibrancy, and long-term economic vitality.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Public Relations Specialist who can work collaboratively across multiple functional areas, including public relations, event operations, and community engagement. The ideal candidate is adaptable and able to transition smoothly between strategic communications, media outreach, hands-on event logistics, and direct engagement with community stakeholders. Success in this role requires sound judgment, strong coordination skills, and comfort managing overlapping responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires someone who is comfortable developing clear, compelling communications across a variety of media platforms and ensuring messages are accurate, consistent, and aligned with organizational priorities. It also calls for the ability to engage confidently with County officials, community partners, and diverse stakeholder groups, and to translate information into accessible materials such as newsletters, guides, and other outreach content. Success in this role is supported by strong collaborative instincts and professional, clear coordination across agencies and working groups.

This position suits an organized and self-directed professional who can navigate an environment with many stakeholders and shifting priorities. It requires the ability to tailor marketing strategies to unique situations, remain within regulatory and procurement requirements, and anticipate emerging challenges. sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the capacity to contribute thoughtfully to initiatives that support the vibrancy and public image of the Urban Districts.

What Youll Be Doing

The Public Relations Specialist serves as a core member of the Urban Districts marketing team, responsible for executing and coordinating marketing, events, public relations, media, and promotional initiatives across Urban Districts, including Silver Spring and Wheaton. This position executes work based on marketing strategies, goals, and quarterly plans set by the Marketing Manager and Departmental leadership, ensuring timely delivery, consistency, and alignment with departmental priorities, budgets, and performance metrics. The position serves as a public-facing communications liaison for Urban District initiatives, supporting media relations, community engagement, public information needs, and external coordination. The role performs a broad range of public relations, marketing, communications, events, and outreach functions in support of evolving Urban Districts' priorities and initiatives.

As an Urban District Public Relations Specialist, duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Support public relations and media activities by developing press releases, advisories, talking points, and other communications aligned with Urban District priorities.
• Coordinate media outreach, pitch stories, respond to inquiries, and support consistent and accurate public-facing messaging across platforms.
• Plan and implement marketing and promotional efforts for Urban District events, including timelines, materials, on-site operations, and post-event wrap-ups.
• Assist in the organization and execution of community meetings, advisory committee sessions, and public engagement activities, preparing presentations and communications materials as needed.
• Serve as a communications liaison with community groups, County partners, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Support updates to websites, digital platforms, and marketing materials to maintain timely and accurate information.
• Contribute to special initiatives such as Arts & Entertainment District promotions, sponsorship cultivation, and partner coordination.
• Perform additional communications, marketing, and outreach tasks as assigned to support Urban District priorities.

This position requires the ability to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office.

This position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays to support community meetings, public events, and on-site event execution across the Urban Districts, but also support on social media post during weekend.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Extensive (5 years) experience in marketing, public relations, event management, and promotion work

Education: Bachelors degree in marketing, public relations, communication, or a related field.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Medical Protocol: This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.

Financial Disclosure Statement: This position is designated as one that requires filing a Financial Disclosure Statement and you will be required to disclose information about your financial affairs.

Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences

The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevancy of training, and experience in the following areas:

• Experience developing public relations or media communications such as press releases, advisories, talking points, or story pitches.
• Experience producing written communications published by external organizations, government entities, or media outlets.
• Experience supporting marketing and promotional campaigns.
• Experience planning or coordinating event marketing, promotions, or logistics.
• Experience supporting community engagement, outreach, or stakeholder communications.
• Experience creating or updating digital communications such as website content, email communications, or social media messaging.
• Experience supporting or securing sponsorships or partnerships for programs, events, or promotional initiatives.
• Experience creating visual, graphic, or promotional design assets using design software such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position. This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position.

Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws.

MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability. For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference.

All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicants responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview.

This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.

Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the Countys "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriffs office) are subject to the Countys ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code. Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.

Leave Benefits

Our generous leave package starts with non-MLS permanent and term employees earning 15 days of sick leave and 15 days of annual leave in their first year, as well as up to three additional personal days each calendar year. Positions in MLS earn 35 days of paid time off each year. In addition, we offer all employees 10 paid holidays. Our leave policies adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and we provide six weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.

Retirement Benefits

All permanent and term positions are eligible for robust retirement plans. Public safety positions are eligible for a defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after only five years. Employees in non-public safety positions can participate in retirement plans that contribute up to 12 percent of their annual salary. All employees can also participate in a supplemental retirement plan, the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, to contribute even more to their retirement goals.

Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Forgiveness

Montgomery County employees are eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Participants who meet all requirements may qualify for forgiveness on the remaining balance on their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time in a qualifying public service position. To learn more about PSLF, please visit the Student Loan Repayment Benefits page. Our tuition assistance program allows you to receive up to $2,130 annually in tuition assistance to help you achieve a degree that supports your career path.

Free Mass Transit Benefit

County employees are entitled to use the RideOn Bus service for free with a valid County-employee ID. This benefit can be used any time of the day or evening, including weekends. We also offer a pre-tax flexible spending account to reduce the cost of other mass-transit options such as MARC trains and Metro.

Reduced Child and Health Care Costs

Working for Montgomery County also entitles permanent and term employees to participate in healthcare and childcare Flexible Spending Accounts. These plans allow eligible employees to save on a pretax basis for healthcare and dependent care costs incurred during the plan year.

Employee Wellbeing

We deeply care about your holistic wellness. Our award-winning wellness program, LiveWell, will support you in improving and maintaining your physical, mental, financial, social, and intellectual well-being.

Learn more about our wonderful benefits available to you once you join our team. Montgomery County Benefits

01

MQ Question PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST (000812)

What is your highest level of completed education?

• N/A
• High School/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Juris Doctor
• Doctorate

02

MQ Question PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST (000812)

Do you have a degree in marketing, public relations, communication, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

03

MQ Question PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST (000812)

How many years of professional experience do you have in marketing, public relations, event management, and promotion work?

• No Experience or less than 1 year
• 1-2 Years Experience
• 3 Years Experience
• 4 Years Experience
• 5 Years Experience
• 6 Years Experience
• 7 Years Experience
• 8 Years Experience
• 9+ Years Experience

04

Please identify the position or positions on your resume where you performed professional work in marketing, public relations, event management, and promotion. If you do not have experience in this area, indicate 'N/A.'

05

Select the one response that best describes your experience developing public relations or media communications materials such as press releases, media advisories, talking points, pitches, or related content.

• I have not developed PR or media communications materials.
• I have assisted with PR or media communications by preparing basic drafts, gathering background information, or supporting a communications lead under supervision.
• I have independently drafted PR or media communications and managed all required steps to finalize materials without supervisory review for accuracy or structure.
• I have led PR or media communications efforts by serving as the primary drafter, tailoring messaging for specific audiences or outlets, managing all outreach, and ensuring timely delivery across multiple channels.
• I have directed PR strategy by setting messaging direction, serving as the primary organizational spokesperson or media contact, or training and reviewing the work of others to ensure message accuracy and alignment.

06

Please describe the types of PR or media communications materials you developed, the audiences or outlets targeted, the tools or platforms used, and identify the position(s) on your resume where this work was performed. If you do not have experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

07

Select the one response that best describes your experience producing written content that was published by an external organization, government entity, media outlet, or community partner (not including personal social media).

• I have not produced written communications published by an external organization or media outlet.
• I have contributed to written materials that were later published by an external organization or outlet under supervision.
• I have independently produced written content that was published externally and can demonstrate editorial acceptance or approval processes I completed.
• I have routinely produced published work for multiple platforms or outlets and have worked directly with editors or communications leads to refine or position content.
• I have produced high-visibility, feature, or recurring published pieces, developed publication frameworks, or served as the organization's main publication writer.

08

Please list the written communications you produced that were published by an external organization or media outlet, the publication or platform where they appeared, the purpose and audience of the materials, and identify the position(s) on your resume where this work was performed. If you do not have experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

09

Select the one response that best describes your experience supporting marketing or promotional campaigns.

• I have not supported marketing or promotional campaign activities.
• I have assisted with marketing tasks such as preparing basic materials, gathering content, or supporting timelines under supervision.
• I have independently coordinated marketing activities including drafting campaign materials and managing timelines for multiple campaign components.
• I have led marketing efforts by coordinating creative assets across multiple internal or external partners, tailoring content for distinct audiences, and monitoring performance or reach data.
• I have led full campaign strategy, set campaign direction, managed multi-platform promotional efforts, or oversaw or reviewed the work of other staff or contractors.

10

Please describe the marketing or promotional campaigns you supported or led, the materials or platforms used, the audiences targeted, and identify the position(s) on your resume where this work was performed. If you do not have experience, indicate "N/A."

11

Select the one response that best describes your experience supporting event marketing or event logistics.

• I have not supported event marketing or logistics.
• I have assisted with event tasks such as preparing materials, coordinating basic logistics, or supporting operations under supervision.
• I have independently coordinated event marketing or logistics such as timelines, permits, vendor communication, staffing, or on-site operations for more than one event.
• I have managed logistics for large, multi-partner, or high-visibility events and coordinated all major logistics components including budgets, vendors, and evaluation.
• I have led event strategy development, overseen multiple large-scale events, created event protocols, or trained or supervised staff or volunteers in event execution.

12

Please describe the events you supported or coordinated, including the scope of responsibilities, partners or vendors involved, and identify the position(s) on your resume where this work was performed. If you do not have experience, indicate "N/A."

13

Select the one response that best describes your experience supporting community engagement or stakeholder communications.

• I have not supported community engagement or stakeholder communications.
• I have assisted with engagement tasks such as preparing materials, participating in meetings, or sharing information under supervision.
• I have independently supported engagement activities and routinely prepared materials, coordinated meetings, or summarized stakeholder feedback for leadership or decision-makers.
• I have regularly led engagement activities by facilitating meetings, coordinating advisory groups, preparing messaging, or serving as a primary representative in community or stakeholder settings.
• I have developed engagement strategies, led multi-stakeholder communications efforts, or trained others in engagement or outreach methods.

14

Please describe the types of community engagement or stakeholder communications you supported, the groups involved, the materials prepared, and identify the position(s) on your resume where this work was performed. If you do not have experience, indicate "N/A."

15

Select the one response that best describes your experience creating or updating digital communications such as website content, email content, or social media posts.

• I have not created or updated digital communications.
• I have assisted with digital updates such as posting prepared content or selecting images under supervision.
• I have independently created or updated digital content, maintained schedules, and ensured accuracy and consistency across platforms.
• I have led digital communications by managing content calendars, tailoring messaging, coordinating with partners, or monitoring engagement analytics to improve content reach.
• I have developed digital communication strategies, overseen multi-platform content for a program or organization, evaluated engagement trends, or trained others in digital content practices.

16

Please describe the types of digital communications you developed or updated, the platforms used, the audiences targeted, and identify the position(s) on your resume where this work was performed. If you do not have experience, indicate "N/A."

17

Select the one response that best describes your experience developing or supporting sponsorships or partnerships for programs, events, or initiatives.

• I have not developed or supported sponsorships or partnerships.
• I have assisted with sponsorship or partnership tasks such as preparing outreach lists, sending correspondence, or gathering materials under supervision.
• I have independently supported sponsorship or partnership development by conducting outreach, preparing proposals, coordinating meetings, or maintaining partner communications.
• I have led sponsorship or partnership activities by negotiating terms, preparing sponsorship packages, securing commitments, or coordinating benefit delivery.
• I have developed sponsorship or partnership strategies, secured recurring or high value sponsorships, cultivated long term partner relationships, or trained others in sponsorship practices.

18

Please describe the types of sponsorships or partnerships you supported or secured, the organizations involved, the outreach or negotiation activities you performed, and identify the position(s) on your resume where this work was performed. If you do not have experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

19

Select the one response that best describes your experience creating visual, graphic, or promotional design assets using design software such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

• I have not created visual, graphic, or promotional materials.
• I have created basic graphics or visual materials such as simple flyers, images, or social posts using templates or basic tools under supervision.
• I have independently created visual or promotional materials such as flyers, social media graphics, digital ads, brochures, or event collateral using design software or content tools.
• I have developed campaign aligned creative assets, tailored materials for multiple platforms, or coordinated visual consistency across campaigns.
• I have developed comprehensive visual design strategies, created brand aligned asset libraries, oversaw creative direction, or trained others in visual design practices.

20

Please describe the types of visual or promotional materials you created, the software or tools used (such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite), the audiences targeted, and identify the position(s) on your resume where this work was performed. If you do not have experience in this area, indicate "N/A."

Required Question

Employer Montgomery County (MD)

Address 101 Monroe Street

7th Floor

Rockville, Maryland, 20850

Phone 240-777-5000

Website https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ohr